Book Review: One Death at a Time by L. S. Waxman
Oh my goodness! I recently won an ARC copy of One Death at a Time, and I haven’t stopped buzzing about it since! The excitement I felt after winning this giveaway on Goodreads was palpable—I mean, who wouldn’t be thrilled to get their hands on a new novel by the brilliant L. S. Waxman? Ever since I stumbled upon her work, I’ve been a massive fan, so diving into this fresh release felt like a delightful treat.
In this, her inaugural mystery novel, Waxman seamlessly marries her sharp wit with profound observations of human nature. The story revolves around Mason, a smart, tough protagonist navigating the murky waters of addiction—a theme that, I must admit, struck a chord with me during a personal family crisis. Initially, I wasn’t sure how well I would connect with Mason and her struggles, especially given my recent experiences. Yet, Waxman’s raw and honest portrayal made it all the more vital. Her unflinching look at alcoholism and addiction felt authentic and poignant, leading me on a wild emotional journey, even when it was tough to swallow.
The beauty of One Death at a Time lies in its vibrant prose. Waxman writes like a dream, her language expertly crafted to leap off the page. The pacing is brisk, filled with unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. I often found myself chuckling at her wickedly fun humor amidst the backdrop of serious themes—a balance that she pulls off with remarkable finesse. It’s like she’s taken her keen observational skills to a new level, wrapping every moment in insightful metaphors and descriptive details that paint a vivid picture.
While I found a couple of scenes confusing—maybe they could’ve benefited from a bit more trimming—that’s just my inner critic wanting to chime in. Overall, it’s a minor quibble in what was an exhilarating read. I genuinely could not put this book down; I devoured every word as if it were a delicious meal I didn’t want to end.
If you adore smart-ass, fierce protagonists like Mason and have a soft spot for authors who can observe life with piercing insight, then you simply must grab a copy of One Death at a Time. It’s a refreshing twist on the mystery genre—neither a cozy whodunit nor a gritty police procedural, but rather a beautiful blend of both, with layers of humor and darkness woven into the narrative.
So, thank you again, Goodreads and Berkley Publishing, for this scrumptious literary ride! I found it not only captivating but also deeply resonant, and I have no doubt this book could be a balm for various readers navigating their personal lives and challenges. If there’s one thing I learned from this experience, it’s that the most meaningful stories often come from the most complex places—just like life itself. Happy reading!